Around seven companies have submitted RFQs and financial bid to the MSRDC for the western coast and coast water transport projects.

The companies that have submitted RFQs include L&T, Nagarjuna Construction Company, J Kumar, Simplex, Pratibha Industries, Supreme BBM, JMC and Unity Infrastructure. According to the bid, the contractor would construct jetties and related infrastructure for operation of boat services. The western coast project comprising Nariman Point-Juhu, Bandra-Versova and Marve-Norivli entails an investment of Rs 750 crore while Rs 450 crore of investment is proposed for the eastern coast project which includes Pheri Warf-Madva and Pheri Warf-Nerul. The Lousi Berger Group has done a detailed feasibility study.

These projects are likely to be implemented on cash on contract basis, wherein the MSRDC will provide funds and the contractors would complete the construction of jetties. The successful bidder is expected to complete the necessary infrastructure within two years and thereafter, MSRDC would appoint the operators on these routes.

Earlier, the MSRDC had awarded a Rs 1,200-crore contract for passenger water transport between Nariman Point and Borivali to Pratibha Industries, but the project could not take off following issues between the concessionaire and MSRDC over various works.